Five Ten announced that Big Stone Ltd. has been named the company's new agency for the UK. John Connelly, International Sales Manager, said he and everybody at Five Ten, thank Bill Birch, the company's former agent, for his outstanding efforts over the last ten years. “Bill worked hard and helped make Five Ten the leading brand in the UK and we appreciate his service,” said Charles Cole, Five Ten’s President.

Cole adds that Five Ten is “looking forward to continued growth under Big Stone and is excited about the next step in market and brand development with Andy Bowman and his associates.” Big Stone, a Sheffield-based agency, has been a leader in the outdoor repping industry for the past 11 years. The company also represents Arc’teryx.

The transition to the new agency will take place over the next several months. Bill Birch will continue to represent Five Ten up to the Outdoor Show in Friedrichshafen in July at which time Big Stone will begin selling Five Ten’s footwear line.

Andy Bowman, director of Big Stone, said, “We are super excited to be involved with Five Ten and intend to continue building domination in the UK shoe market, and planning to grow our share of the “improver market” with the best-selling Spire. We are also quite excited about the company's expansion of the trail and approach shoe lines and a new, super-sticky Stealth rubber that is in the works.”

Mark Busby has been designated by Big Stone as the UK Brand Manager for Five Ten. According to Busby, Big Stone plans to “improve the level of service by using the resources of a fully-manned, well-managed office and by being genuinely immersed in the UK climbing scene.” Busby adds that the company has strategic plans for improving clinics and customer support. As of 1 October 2004, all of Five Ten sales, business and inquiries should be directed to Big Stone.